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murakoziYesterday was an even more tiring day than usual at the barn. They hadn't been able to get hold of one of the trail guides all week to confirm that she'd be there on Sunday and she didn't show up. That meant only one guide for the day. The first ride to go out was small enough that Billie could handle it by herself, but the 2 and 3 o'clock rides were full ones. I ended up filling in as the second guide for those two rides. After mucking stalls the first hour, I ducked in and changed into a clean non-stinky shirt and borrowed one of Don's helmets. Unfortunately, the largets helmet Don has for the school is a 7 5/8 and I wear a 7 3/4. It was kinda a snug fit, but it had to do. For years, I've always kept my riding helmet in the trunk of my car, but when I got the new car back in July, I emptied out all the contents of the trunk and they've been sitting in a bag in the closet since. Going through that bag and tossing stuff and putting the rest into the new car was part of the plan for Saturday, but with all the rain, I only made a few trips to the dumpster while cleaning and never got around to that. If it hadn't rained, I'd have had my riding helmet at the barn on Sunday. Go figure.
Anyway, I hopped aboard Baby Doc and took up the position at the back of the line for the rides. In addition to the too-small helmet, I was riding in my work boots, which barely fit into stirrups. Good thing there wasn't some competition going on for the best dressed rider! The rides went well. After going so long without being in the saddle, I know I wasn't in my best form and I couldn't concentrate much on my own riding since I was keeping an eye on the four riders in front of me, giving 'em advice and instructions. It's a good thing Baby Doc is an easy going horse. He's one of my favorite geldings there.
So an hour of mucking stalls and two hours of riding left me more than a little worn out. As expected, I'm feeling it today. (thank goodness my computer chair has a soft seat) Even though it was a lot of work, it was still tons of fun. There were a couple interesting parts, such as when I rode up along the line to give someone a crop and Wheatchex decided she really didn't like having Baby Doc next to her. Fortunately, she wasn't very serious with her little kick and Baby Doc can be quite agile when need be.
I've got the day off today, so I'll get some of Saturday's planned cleaning done and spend a chunk of it lazing around recovering from yesterday.
Anyway, I hopped aboard Baby Doc and took up the position at the back of the line for the rides. In addition to the too-small helmet, I was riding in my work boots, which barely fit into stirrups. Good thing there wasn't some competition going on for the best dressed rider! The rides went well. After going so long without being in the saddle, I know I wasn't in my best form and I couldn't concentrate much on my own riding since I was keeping an eye on the four riders in front of me, giving 'em advice and instructions. It's a good thing Baby Doc is an easy going horse. He's one of my favorite geldings there.
So an hour of mucking stalls and two hours of riding left me more than a little worn out. As expected, I'm feeling it today. (thank goodness my computer chair has a soft seat) Even though it was a lot of work, it was still tons of fun. There were a couple interesting parts, such as when I rode up along the line to give someone a crop and Wheatchex decided she really didn't like having Baby Doc next to her. Fortunately, she wasn't very serious with her little kick and Baby Doc can be quite agile when need be.
I've got the day off today, so I'll get some of Saturday's planned cleaning done and spend a chunk of it lazing around recovering from yesterday.